The deadline to apply for an alligator permit for the 2012 season in Georgia is July 31.

Hunters must apply online with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division before midnight on July 31. Selected hunters will receive a temporary harvest tag and information packet by mail in early August. The 2012 alligator hunting season is Sept. 1 - Oct. 7.

“The alligator hunt is consistently one of the most popular quota opportunities in Georgia, with thousands applying each year,” said John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management, Wildlife Resources Division. “Those who are selected should have a great crop of animals. We have seen numerous alligators reaching anywhere from 11 to 13 feet and longer.”

Georgia has nine alligator zones. Of the top five alligators harvested in each zone, all were 11 feet or longer last year. The top 12 alligators overall were more than 13 feet long -- the longest being 13 feet, 9 inches from Decatur County. The heaviest alligator harvested weighed 860 pounds and was taken in Quitman County.

2. Read all instructions under the “About” tab thoroughly. The instructions contain critical information on how to create an account and successfully submit an application.

3. Create an account, even if you have had an account in the old system. (The new system was launched in 2012.)

4. Apply using the instructions provided under the "About" tab.

Make sure your email address is correct so that you can receive quota updates, confirmations and other notices about quota hunts. You can check your application status through your online account, starting Aug. 1.